Painting

The First House in Milwaukee, Matthias Stein, Owner

DESCRIPTION

This house, built on a hill close to the Milwaukee River, was the only one in the city as late as 1840. The owner of the house, Martin [Matthias] Stein, a gun maker, moved to the region in the late 1830s. Hölzlhuber means to show it at that earlier time, when Native Americans who came to trade with fur dealer Solomon Juneau camped nearby. A canoe is banked at the water's edge, near a tipi and large tree stump. Hölzlhuber lived opposite this house, with the Vintschger family, for four years. He remarked that the house, still occupied by Stein and his family, "appeared rather funny" situated between 4-story buildings that had since been built. Taken from Hölzlhuber's description of the scene, translated by Vera Kroner.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This image is one of forty-two watercolor drawings from a sketchbook by Holzlhuber, documenting his trip to the U.S., especially to Wisconsin and Canada in 1856-1860. Originally translated from Holzlhuber's journal as Martin Stein, the owner's name was actually Matthias Stein.

For Commercial or Non-Profit Use

RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS

This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Division of Library-Archives. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright.

Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society.

Reference Details

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